This useful book has been brought right up to date by Dr. Richard McPherson, Chairman of the Department of Pathology at the Medical College of Virginia. The same overall organization and content that clinical users have found so helpful over the past three editions has been updated, with new content being added to all areas.

New information in this edition includes:
SECTION I: General Clinical TestsMore on amino acids and cardiovascular disease risk assessment in adults
Blood grouping and identification of red cell antibodies with specific antigens and procedures
The addition of bromide to the Electrolytes section
Updated information on the clinical utility of existing Endocrinology tests
Significant expansion in Hemostasis, including many new assays in thrombophilia and other areas
In the Immunology section, there are many new essays in cellular immunity, flow cytometry, and autoimmunity
Many more new drugs and methods under Interferences
In the section on Tumor Markers, there is added information about the FDA's new approval policy
NEW topic: Geriatric Laboratory Testing
* SECTION II: Molecular Pathology
This section has been expanded significantly to reflect the experiences laboratories have had with new *DNA tests implemented over the last five years, especially in the areas of infectious diseases and identity testing.
* SECTION III: Therapeutic Drugs
Several newly introduced drugs have been added to this section.
* SECTION IV: Microbiology
General updates to match the advances in research and practice.


Tests are divided into 8 main sections and arranged alphabetically.
Each test includes necessary information such as test name (or disorder) and method, specimens and special requirements, reference ranges, chemical interferences and in vivo effects, kinetic values, diagnostic information, factors influencing drug disposition, and clinical comments and remarks.
The most current and relevant tests are included; outdated tests have been eliminated.
Test index (with extensive cross references) and disease index provide the reader with an easy way to find necessary information



Four new sections in key areas (Preanalytical, Flow Cytometry, Pharmacogenomics, and Allergy) make this edition current and useful.
New editor Alan Wu, who specializes in Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this edition.
The Molecular Diagnostics section has been greatly expanded due to the increased prevalence of new molecular techniques being used in laboratories.
References are now found after each test, rather than at the end of each section, for easier access.